BPI held its second annual Awards Banquet at two of their locations in February. BPI employees gathered for the ceremonies in Waterloo and Sioux Falls to recognize their outstanding contributions and celebrate their teamwork.
President Kyle Schull took the reins of this family-run organization in 2022 and is transforming the company by involving every team member in improving processes. He introduced the annual Awards Banquet to thank and celebrate the teamwork that has driven many of BPI’s positive initiatives.
“The 2nd annual banquet is a tribute to the dedication of BPI employees: their individual growth and accomplishments, acknowledging the capabilities of our departments, recognizing our rising leaders, and honoring the 2023 branch of the year: Sioux Falls. I am proud of all the progress achieved over the past year and the contributions from our employees. It makes the possibilities of what we can achieve as a company in 2024 brighter and more exciting.” – Kyle Schull, President/Owner
BPI Award Winners for Excellence in 2023
The leadership team at BPI honored several employees who excelled in 2023. Some of the award categories from the night include:
Most Valuable Employee (MVE) – This award is based on votes from fellow BPI employees for those who go above and beyond. MVE honorees include Alex Sesing (Wisconsin), Rodney Miller (Waterloo Warehouse), Mark Jordan (Waterloo Millwork), Polly Frey (Waterloo Office), Dawn Boswell (Corporate), Simon Ell (Fargo), Dawson Pearce (Council Bluffs), Ryan Feit (Sioux Falls Warehouse), Brian Nelson (Sioux Falls Millwork) and Joey Hanley (Sioux Falls Office).
Driver of the Year – Recognizes the four drivers earning the highest points from the following criteria: signatures completed, comprehensive delivery pictures, and passing safety measures. Driver of the Year honorees include Merlin Knutson, Jody Hostetler, Ray Bunkofske and Buck Schultz.
Sales of the Year – This award recognizes the top BPI sales rep for 2023 and is based on sales growth and gross sales. Steve Walstad earned this prestigious award.
“Grateful to Building Products Inc. for the honor of being named Salesperson of the Year! Huge thanks to our incredible vendor partners for their unwavering support and dedication. A humble thank you to the many committed lumberyards who continually place their trust and support with us. Last but certainly not least, a special shoutout to Shawn Baloun and Nick Widman; you both absolutely crush it every day! This achievement would not be possible without you! - Steve Walstad
Branch of the Year – This honor goes to the Sioux Falls branches, managed by Layne Brandt (Millwork) and Patrick Dinneen (Building Materials).
“The Millwork Division is humbled by the recognition of all our hard work. We feel appreciated that our dedication to customer excellence was recognized.” – Layne Brandt “The entire team at the Sioux Falls facility should be extremely proud of 2023 and all that they accomplished. Not only do they continue to foster a culture of continuous improvement, but they also always have the customer at the forefront of their work. I am honored to be side-by-side with each and every one of them.” – Patrick Dinneen
- 2023 #1 Growth Vendor of the Year: James Hardie
- 2023 #1 Most Profitable Vendor of the Year: TimberTech
- 2023 #1 Sales Volume Vendor of the Year: GAF
Values in Action – Award winners prioritize our core values (Leadership, Accountability, Integrity, and Teamwork) in team discussions and day-to-day operations. Our Values in Action program recognizes two BPI employees every month for demonstrating any of the four core values. The winners are voted on by their colleagues from the twenty-four selected throughout the year and our 2023 award-winners are:
- Jason Patzner – Values in Action Award for Leadership
- Louis Peterson – Values in Action Award for Teamwork
Advancing Leaders – Kyle Schull and Vince Welch instituted this year-long program that guides employees in becoming leaders personally and professionally. Celebrating their second year of program graduates, the selected BPI employees underwent challenging activities, learning to take ownership of their journey and determining the legacy they want to leave behind.
BPI Honors Investment in Core Values and Growth
While every business values growth and increased profitability, Kyle Schull and the leadership team at BPI know that employees who feel heard and valued are the core drivers of success. Partnerships with suppliers that hold the same values are instrumental as well. Honoring these symbiotic relationships is essential, and BPI would like to thank their employees and supplier partners for attending this annual awards banquet.
Congrats to the winners, and thanks to BPI’s employees and partners for another great year of accomplishments. Check out what’s going on at BPI through our social media channels (@BPI.BUILD) as we continue to celebrate success and excellence throughout 2024.
